The Cleveland Indians already were dealing with a depleted infield when Jose Ramirez took a most damaging swing.A two-time All-Star third baseman, Ramirez bruised his left knee when he fouled a ball off his leg Sunday in a spring training game. His status for opening day was uncertain.X-rays were negative. The Indians said Ramirez will remain in Arizona, and that it will be determined later whether he can play Thursday when the AL Central champions open at Minnesota.Ramirez was carted from the field after getting hurt against the Chicago White Sox in Cleveland's final Cactus League exhibition. He wasn't able to put any pressure on his leg as manager Terry Francona and a trainer helped him onto the cart.The 26-year-old Ramirez hit 39 home runs with 105 RBIs while batting .270 and stealing 34 bases last season. He has finished third in AL MVP voting in each of the last two seasons.Star shortstop Francisco Lindor is starting the season on the injured list and second baseman Jason Kipnis is... [More]

The Cleveland Indians already were dealing with a depleted infield when Jose Ramirez took a most damaging swing.A two-time All-Star third baseman, Ramirez bruised his left knee when he fouled a ball off his leg Sunday in a spring training game. His status for opening day was uncertain.X-rays were negative. The Indians said Ramirez will remain in Arizona, and that it will be determined later whether he can play Thursday when the AL Central champions open at Minnesota.Ramirez was carted from the field after getting hurt against the Chicago White Sox in Cleveland's final Cactus League exhibition. He wasn't able to put any pressure on his leg as manager Terry Francona and a trainer helped him onto the cart.The 26-year-old Ramirez hit 39 home runs with 105 RBIs while batting .270 and stealing 34 bases last season. He has finished third in AL MVP voting in each of the last two seasons.Star shortstop Francisco Lindor is starting the season on the injured list and second baseman Jason Kipnis is... [More]

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Mike Trout smiled into the postcard-perfect Orange County sunlight and said exactly what every Los Angeles Angels fan has spent years hoping to hear."I know there was a lot of talk about going back East, but I enjoy every minute being here," Trout said Sunday. "This is my home. I love it. I think the direction of the franchise, if it was going the other way, I would have had to consider going. But it never crossed my mind. I was going to be an Angel for life, sure."The crowd around the main entrance to Angel Stadium burst into raucous cheers, and so did Trout's dozens of teammates and coaches in the audience below the podium.The $426.5 million, 12-year contract for the two-time AL MVP is an extraordinary reward for a singular homegrown talent who never wanted to leave. After returning from spring training with their franchise cornerstone firmly in place, the Angels paused on the final weekend before the regular season to celebrate Trout being home to stay."I want... [More]

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Mike Trout smiled into the postcard-perfect Orange County sunlight and said exactly what every Los Angeles Angels fan has spent years hoping to hear."I know there was a lot of talk about going back East, but I enjoy every minute being here," Trout said Sunday. "This is my home. I love it. I think the direction of the franchise, if it was going the other way, I would have had to consider going. But it never crossed my mind. I was going to be an Angel for life, sure."The crowd around the main entrance to Angel Stadium burst into raucous cheers, and so did Trout's dozens of teammates and coaches in the audience below the podium.The $426.5 million, 12-year contract for the two-time AL MVP is an extraordinary reward for a singular homegrown talent who never wanted to leave. After returning from spring training with their franchise cornerstone firmly in place, the Angels paused on the final weekend before the regular season to celebrate Trout being home to stay."I want... [More]

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Mike Trout smiled into the postcard-perfect Orange County sunlight and said exactly what every Los Angeles Angels fan has spent years hoping to hear."I know there was a lot of talk about going back East, but I enjoy every minute being here," Trout said Sunday. "This is my home. I love it. It never crossed my mind that I wasn't going to be an Angel for life."The crowd around the main entrance to Angel Stadium burst into raucous cheers, and so did Trout's dozens of teammates and coaches in the audience below the podium.The $426.5 million, 12-year contract for the two-time AL MVP is an extraordinary reward for a singular homegrown talent who never wanted to leave. After returning from spring training with their franchise cornerstone firmly in place, the Angels paused on the final weekend before the regular season to celebrate Trout being home to stay."I want to bring a championship back to Anaheim. Let's go, baby!" Trout said.Trout got the biggest contract in North American... [More]

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) — New York Mets pitcher Noah Syndergaard tuned up for the regular season with a couple fastballs — at his own organization.Syndergaard questioned the Mets' treatment of ace Jacob deGrom and the organization's upcoming travel plans after he made his final appearance of spring training on Sunday.The 30-year-old deGrom is hoping for a new contract before opening day after he won the NL Cy Young Award last season. But he sounded pessimistic about the possibility after he worked three perfect innings in his final spring outing on Saturday."I think Jake's the best pitcher in baseball right now," Syndergaard said. "I think he deserves whatever amount he's worth. I want to keep him happy so when it does come time for him to reach free agency he stays on our side pitching for the Mets."I think they should just quit all this fuss and pay the man already."DeGrom went 10-9 with a sparkling 1.70 ERA in 32 starts last year. Aces Chris Sale and Justin Verlander and sluggers Mike... [More]

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Cleveland Indians third baseman Jose Ramirez bruised his left knee when he fouled a ball off himself Sunday and his status for opening day is uncertain.X-rays on the two-time All-Star were negative. The team said Ramirez will remain in Arizona, and that it will be determined later whether he can play Thursday when the AL Central champions open at Minnesota.The Indians already had a depleted infield when Ramirez was carted from the field after getting hurt against the Chicago White Sox in Cleveland's final exhibition of the year in Arizona. He wasn't able to put any pressure on his leg as manager Terry Francona and a trainer helped him onto the cart.The 26-year-old Ramirez hit 39 home runs with 105 RBIs while batting .270 and stealing 34 bases last season. He has finished third in the AL MVP voting in each of the last two seasons.Star shortstop Francisco Lindor is starting the season on the injured list and second baseman Jason Kipnis is expected to miss opening day... [More]

JUPITER, Fla. (AP) — Paul Goldschmidt's solo homer in the first inning of St. Louis' Grapefruit League finale against Miami is indicative of what manager Mike Shildt has been saying all week.The Cardinals' offense is ready to start the season."That was nice," Shildt said of the drive that caromed off an ambulance idling outside the Marlins' side of the Roger Dean Stadium complex. "Park at your own risk."The shot over the wall in left was Goldschmidt's third of the spring, all coming in the past week."Stats don't always tell the whole story, but you go out there, you see good at-bats, see guys hit the ball hard and keep improving every day," Goldschmidt said.Rebounding from offseason shoulder surgery, Marcell Ozuna's average hovered around .150 much of the spring before a late surge raised it to .230. Both of his homers came in the past three days."No, I didn't worry about it," Ozuna said. "I knew it was coming."For the first time all spring, Shildt used a lineup representative of what he... [More]

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Cleveland Indians third baseman Jose Ramirez has been carted off the field with a bruised left knee after fouling a ball of himself in a spring training game.The two-time All-Star was injured Sunday against the Chicago White Sox in Cleveland's final exhibition of the year in Arizona. Ramirez was being taken for X-rays.Ramirez wasn't able to put any pressure on his leg as manager Terry Francona and a trainer helped him onto the cart.The 26-year-old Ramirez hit 39 home runs with 105 RBIs while batting .270 and stealing 34 bases last season.Earlier in the day, the Indians signed Brad Miller to provide depth in a depleted infield.Star shortstop Francisco Lindor is starting the season on the injured list and second baseman Jason Kipnis is expected to miss opening day — both players are recovering after staining their right calf.The AL Central champion Indians open Thursday at Minnesota.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

MESA, Ariz. (AP) — The Chicago Cubs have designated reliever Brian Duensing for assignment.The Cubs also announced Sunday they had signed Tim Collins to a one-year deal, and then optioned the left-hander to Triple-A Iowa. Collins had no record and a 4.37 ERA in 38 appearances with Washington last season.Duensing signed a $2 million, one-year contract with Chicago before the 2017 season, and then went 1-1 with a 2.74 ERA in 68 appearances. The lefty finalized a $7 million, two-year deal with the Cubs in January 2018, but he struggled last season, going 3-0 with a 7.65 ERA in 48 games.The 36-year-old Duensing is 46-38 with a 4.19 ERA in 10 years in the majors, also playing for Minnesota and Baltimore.Collins, 29, is 12-17 with a 3.62 ERA in 266 relief appearances with Kansas City and Washington.The Cubs open the season on Thursday at Texas.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/tag/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

LAKELAND, Fla. (AP) — Detroit Tigers right-hander Jordan Zimmermann is going to make his second consecutive opening-day start.The Tigers announced the decision on Sunday. They begin the season on Thursday at Toronto.Zimmermann has struggled during his three years with the Tigers after arriving as a free agent before the 2016 season.He battled neck issues in 2016 before going 8-13 with a 6.08 ERA in 29 starts in 2017.Last year, the 32-year-old Zimmerman was 7-8 with a 4.52 ERA over 25 starts and had core muscles repair surgery in October.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and htts://twitter.com/AP_Sports

FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) — It wasn't an offseason weight-loss program, but pitcher David Price is entering the 2019 season much lighter.A tremendous burden has been lifted from his shoulders. The Boston Red Sox lefty has finally gotten rid of the postseason demons that had been haunting him for much of his 11-season career."I do (feel that way), so yeah," Price said. "It felt good to go out there and perform on that level. I know how many doubters are out there and whatnot, and that's fine. It felt good to go out there and to be able to prove myself right. That was what it was all about."Helping the Red Sox to the 2018 World Series championship — the first of Price's career — can have that effect. Price earned two of his team's four World Series wins — including the Game 5 clincher against the Dodgers — appearing in three games, with two starts, posting a 1.98 ERA. Some thought he was a legitimate candidate for the World Series MVP honor which went to teammate Steve Pearce.Before last season,... [More]

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Justin Verlander thinks the free-agent process is broken. Still, he says that's not why he decided to sign a new deal with the Houston Astros rather than test the market."I can't see a better situation," Verlander said Sunday after the Astros announced a three-year contract that added $66 million in guaranteed money for 2020 and '21.A 36-year-old right-hander, Verlander had been due $28 million in 2019, the final guaranteed season of a $180 million, seven-year deal he signed with Detroit before the 2013 season.His new deal followed two straight slow free-agent markets and came after agreements during spring training on long-term deals for Colorado third baseman Nolan Arenado, Boston left-hander Chris Sale and St. Louis first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, who all would have been part of the free-agent class after this season. In addition, the Los Angeles Angels gave a record $426.5 million, 12-year contract to outfielder Mike Trout, who could have become a free agent... [More]

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — The Indians have signed infielder Brad Miller to a major league contract.Miller was signed a minor league contract with the Dodgers on Feb. 27. He opted out of it on March 21 and signed with the Indians, who will start the season with second baseman Jason Kipnis and shortstop Francisco Lindor on the injured list.The Indians cleared a roster spot for Miller by placing pitcher Danny Salazar on the 60-day injured list while he rehabs his right shoulder from surgery.Miller joins Max Moroff and Eric Stamets in the middle infield."He has a done a lot of damage against right-handed pitching," manager Terry Francona said. "We will mix and match a bit depending how guys are swinging the bat. Our guys did a good job of finding someone who could help us at this late stage of spring. That's not an easy thing to do."Miller played with the Rays and Brewers last season, his sixth in the league since he was the Mariners' second-round pick. He played three seasons with the Mariners before moving on to the Rays.Miller hit .230 in 75 games last season. He has a .239 average with 75 home runs in 680 games. He has played all four infield positions, 375 at shortstop and 156 at second base.The Indians will keep Hanley Ramirez on the opening day roster as a designated hitter and part time first baseman.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — The San Francisco Giants acquired veteran catcher Erik Kratz from the Brewers on Sunday, sending minor league infielder C.J. Hinojosa to Milwaukee.Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi had wanted an experienced catcher to provide depth behind Buster Posey, who is back from right hip surgery that ended his 2018 season in late August.The 38-year-old Kratz batted .236 with six home runs and 23 RBIs in 67 games for the Brewers last season, hitting .292 in nine playoff games. He joins his eighth team over 10 major league seasons.The Giants reassigned catcher Stephen Vogt to minor league camp. He is working his way back from surgery on his troublesome right shoulder last May and didn't play for Milwaukee last year.Vogt reached a minor league deal before spring training along with Rene Rivera, just released by the Giants.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/tag/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

SARASOTA, Fla. (AP) — Baltimore Orioles designated hitter Mark Trumbo will start the season on the injured list.The 33-year-old Trumbo, who led the major leagues with 47 home runs in 2016, had surgery on his right knee last September. Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said Sunday that Trumbo hasn't played enough to be ready for opening day."I want Mark to be healthy when he joins us," Hyde said. "I don't want a lesser version, and it's not fair to him."Right-handed pitcher Alex Cobb, who is scheduled to start the March 28 opener at Yankee Stadium, left Saturday night's game with right groin soreness.Hyde said he would make a decision on Cobb's availability over the next day or two. He suggested that right-hander Andrew Cashner would start the opener if Cobb was unavailable.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Justin Verlander and the Houston Astros are going to continue their successful partnership for a while longer.Verlander and the Astros have agreed to a contract adding an additional $66 million in guaranteed money for 2020 and '21, a person with direct knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press.The person spoke Saturday on condition of anonymity because the deal had not been announced. The agreement was first reported by KRIV-FOX 26.A 36-year-old right-hander, Verlander is due $28 million in 2019, the final guaranteed season of a $180 million, seven-year deal he signed with Detroit before the 2013 season. That contract included a $22 million option for 2020 that would have become guaranteed if Verlander finished among the top five in Cy Young Award voting this year.Verlander was traded from Detroit to Houston on Aug. 31, 2017, and helped the Astros win their first World Series that season. The 2011 AL MVP and Cy Young Award winner, he finished second in Cy Young voting last season... [More]

Justin Verlander and the Houston Astros are going to continue their successful partnership for a while longer.Verlander and the Astros have agreed to a contract adding an additional $66 million in guaranteed money for 2020 and '21, a person with direct knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press.The person spoke Saturday on condition of anonymity because the deal had not been announced. The agreement was first reported by KRIV-FOX 26.A 36-year-old right-hander, Verlander is due $28 million in 2019, the final guaranteed season of a $180 million, seven-year deal he signed with Detroit before the 2013 season. That contract included a $22 million option for 2020 that would have become guaranteed if Verlander finished among the top five in Cy Young Award voting this year.Verlander was traded from Detroit to Houston on Aug. 31, 2017, and helped the Astros win their first World Series that season. The 2011 AL MVP and Cy Young Award winner, he finished second in Cy Young voting last season... [More]

MESA, Ariz. (AP) — The Chicago Cubs have optioned versatile youngster Ian Happ to the minor leagues.Manager Joe Maddon announced the decision Saturday.The 24-year-old Happ appeared in 142 games with Chicago last season, hitting .233 with 15 homers and a .761 OPS while playing second base, third base and all three outfield spots. He finished eighth in NL Rookie of the Year voting in 2017 after hitting .253 with 24 homers in 115 games.The 2015 first-round pick is batting .135 this spring with a .389 OPS. The demotion will allow the switch hitter to get regular playing time at Triple-A instead of being limited on Chicago's deep major league roster.Right-handers Alec Mills and Dillon Maples and catcher Taylor Davis were also optioned to Triple-A Iowa, and righty Junichi Tazawa was granted his release. Infielder Cristhian Adames and outfielder Johnny Field were re-assigned to minor league camp.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — The Chicago White Sox think Eloy Jimenez is going to be a big-time slugger.They are so sure they gave the young outfielder a record-breaking deal.The 22-year-old Jimenez is looking forward to the upcoming season after finalizing a $43 million, six-year contract with Chicago, nearly double the amount of the previous high for a player under club control yet to make his major league debut."It's something I was dreaming when I was a kid," Jimenez said Saturday at Camelback Ranch. "The dream's come true and I feel really proud and happy for this moment. This is a moment I'm never gonna forget."Jimenez celebrated with three hits in a 5-1 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers, including a solo drive for his second spring homer.The agreement announced Friday includes team options for 2025 and 2026 that if exercised would raise the total to $75 million over eight years.Jimenez was optioned to Triple-A Charlotte on March 13. If he stays in the minors for the first 20 days of... [More]